Anthony Edwards dropped a major update on Karl-Anthony Towns’ return. Following the dominant victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ star guard reminded the NBA world of the upcoming threat. Towns suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in March, and the Wolves management revealed that the star would at least miss 4 weeks after surgery.
As the season moved inches closer to the playoff tonight, Edwards dropped by the post-game interview and said, “Kat coming back. Kat will be back,” with a hilarious nod to threaten the rest of the teams.
Anthony Edwards postgame on @NBATV…
— Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) April 8, 2024
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The Timberwolves entered this season with a new energy, after bundling out in the first round in the 2023 playoff. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns shouldered the team with an impressive 54-24 record, clinching the top of the West ladder. Ant-Man and Kat averaged 26 and 22 points in this season, respectively. Towns’ run abruptly came to a stop after he injured his knee in March. Despite that, the Wolves didn’t let it affect their dream run.
During Towns’ injury absence, the Minnesota side played 16 games and won eleven of them, keeping the team in the hunt for the top seed. Unlike the East, the West had heavy competition for the #1 seed. Apart from the Wolves, the Denver Nuggets and OKC Thunder played musical chairs for the top spot. Even the LA Clippers went toe to toe against these teams until they faced a sudden slump after Russell Westbrook’s injury.
However, in the case of the Wolves, even Towns’ extended injury absence didn’t affect the team. The only plausible reason behind this terrific run could be the depth of the team. Of course, the Ant-Man influence played a huge role. Apart from that, the big man, Rudy Gobert, took care of the defense along with the supporting crew: Mike Conley, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid.
How will Karl-Anthony Towns’ return impact the playoffs?
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In Towns’ absence, the Wolves strengthened their defense and got supplies from Edwards, Gobert, and Conley. They also currently hold the record for the best defense team this season. The Wolves have restricted their opponents to an average of 106.2 points along with 7.7 steals per game.
If Towns returns to the Wolves fold, it could further strengthen the team’s defense as he brings in his size advantage and holds a defense rating of 107.8, as per Stat Muse. On the other hand, Towns will add significant contribution to the offense with his impressive average of 22 points per game.
Currently, the Wolves are at the top of the table. They will either face the Warriors, Lakers, or the Kings in the first round. Considering the playoff experience of the Dubs and Lakers, Ant-Man & Co. might have to bring in their A-game to overcome the hurdle.
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Will the Wolves win their first championship under Ant-Man and Kat? Let us know in the comments.